Local teams Sandy Creek and Starr's Mill brought their

rivalry to a whole new level as they faced each other three times on

Saturday. Both the Panthers and the Patriots handled their Friday

night competition, as Starr's Mill defeated Woodward 6-5 on

the strong play of Jamie Vining, Sarah Scott and Sandy Creek

defeated Creekside 14-0 with a strong pitching performance

only gave up one hit.

The next day the battle began at 10 a.m. The Panthers

would have to get beyond the dominating pitching of Heather

Kershaw if they were to advance to the sectionals and they rose to

the challenge. Starr's Mill got five hits off of Kershaw and ran

the bases extremely well, winning by a score of 4-2. Freshmen

Stacy Ballew closed the game for the Patriots only giving up one hit.

After Sandy Creek defeated Woodward Academy 9-2

and Starr's Mill defeated Creekside, it was clear that the Patriots

and Panthers would have to play at least one more time. If Starr's

Mill could pull out another win over Sandy Creek they would win

the region. Since the Panthers had begun to show confidence in

hitting against Kershaw, Tika Hayes pitched for the Patriots in the

playoff game. She was awesome,facing 26 batters,

striking out eight and giving up only two hits. Sandy Creek shutout

the Panthers 9-0 and forced the if game.

In their third and final game of the tournament, Sandy

Creek went with Hayes again. She pitched well but gave up two

runs off of three hits. It was evident the sophomore was tired. The

Patriots won the game 3-2 but both teams will advance to

the Sectionals which start October 10 in Conyers.

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